There is a willingness to comply with new government-mandated regulations, with an insistence that they should be practical and realistic.
Jennifer Heebner Named Executive Director of CPAA
The longtime industry journalist will become the organization’s part-time executive director on Jan. 1.
New York--The Cultured Pearl Association of America announced Thursday that longtime industry journalist Jennifer Heebner has been named part-time executive director, effective Jan. 1.
Heebner spent nearly two decades as a market editor for JCK, winning awards for her coverage of fine jewelry and fashion. During that time, she cultivated a love for pearls, writing about the gemstone extensively and traveling to Jewelmer’s pearl farms in the Philippines.
She currently travels extensively to major international trade shows to keep a pulse on the market, writing for The Gem Guide, The Jewelry Book, Rapaport and her own website, and is the incoming president of the New York Metro Chapter of the Women’s Jewelry Association.
In her new role with CPAA, Heebner and current Marketing Director Kathy Grenier will “reimagine” the organization’s website to include original content that will be shared through the Shells newsletter, content collaborations with jewelry trade publications, social media campaigns, reinvigorated design contests and continued promotion of the “Pearls As One” course.
In addition, CPAA President Aziz Basalely, owner of Eliko Pearl, announced that the 60-year-old nonprofit is relocating its offices from Providence, Rhode Island to New York. The move is being made “in the interest of growth and future opportunities,” the CPAA said.
“CPAA is excited to usher in a new era and reinvigorated marketing efforts for pearls. The board is excited to watch Kathy and Jen’s bold, modern plans unfold,” Basalely said.
The Latest
A combination of factors is driving growth in the industry despite the precipitous drop in prices across the board.
The zone’s modernization will enhance and increase India’s jewelry manufacturing capabilities while aiding small and mid-sized businesses.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
The company plans to invest $25 million in marketing initiatives to boost awareness around its namesake and licensed brands.
Optimism about the current state of the economy was offset by anxiety around inflation and the political environment.
Ho Brothers offers scalable solutions for the future of custom jewelry.
The former WJA executive director is MFM’s new managing director.
DDG encourages retailers to educate customers on the positive impact of purchasing natural diamonds.
Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen explore how jewelers can save time and money by using AI to analyze engagement and create content.
The Florida store’s owner Miguel Gonzalez is retiring.
The lab stresses the importance of accurate identification, as the difference in price is “substantial.”
The brand also plans to expand its retail footprint from 138 to 200 stores over the next three years.
One is reserved for a NAJA member, the other for a non-member.
Longtime employees Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice have received promotions.
Three guests joined National Jeweler and Jewelers of America to discuss trending time periods, spotting reproductions, and more.
Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere join the company with 50 years of combined experience.
The trendy, metallic earrings wink at classic spring colors.
JSA said a man and woman pulled the safe out of an Oakland jewelry store but couldn’t quite get it into their van.
The miner’s March auction generated $19 million.
Helen McCluskey will succeed H. Todd Stitzer when he meets his 12-year term limit in June.
“Chopard x Julia Roberts” showcases the first gems cut from the 6,000-carat-plus “Insofu Emerald."
The jewelry giant also posted a double-digit drop in same-store sales for the full year.
Elvis gave the watch to actress Dodie Marshall after filming “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
The Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design was presented to a graduate of the GIA school in Taipei.
The man was charged with money laundering in connection with the theft of gold, silver, and platinum over the course of three years.